The National Capital Region (NCR) is known to house a wide variety of industries, however, it may not present a rosy picture in terms of data available on growth, income and expenditure. To draw comparisons between Delhi, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Mumbai, Astha Alang spoke to Dr Rajesh Shukla , an independent consumer economy expert and former director of ncaer-centre for macro consumer research in an interview. Edited excerpts:

Although, the National Capital Region has a wide network of the metro. it is still not sufficient. It needs to work on its infrastructure, basic amenities, roads and connectivity, health and education.

NCR needs to start planning for the future. The planning is not clear. They need to plan the migration from other states. The government needs to make it a model society.

Do you think labour is an issue in this region?

Labour is an issue not only in terms of number but is certainly a big issue in the national Capital Region. The number of skilled labour available in the region is not up to the mark. After sales services is extremely poor here. This is due to labourers not being literate enough. The need of the hour is skilled workforce to deliver their targets to their clients.

How can industries in NCR become mechanised?

Infrastructure including electricity and connectivity is a big issue in NCR. There exists a university to industry gap. What ever our universities are producing are not employable. Curriculum is an issue. The supply side is lacking. The efficiency of a product can either be manual or unmechanised. Some industries require manual where as some require more mechanised. However, there needs to be a balance maintained between manual labour and mechanization of industries.

How would you rate the civic amenities of NCR as a business hub?

Civic amenities might be improved but there is still scope for a lot that can be done.